The former player: 'I really hoped to continue playing'
Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.
"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.
"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."
"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.
"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
